Down the rabbit hole.

Social Chronicles

by Brendan Kownacki | on January 22nd, 2012 |

by contributor Brendan Kownacki

It was a magical trip down the rabbit hole for supporters of the Washington Ballet on Saturday evening during the Jete Society Gala; this year themed as the Mad Hatter’s Dance Party. (Winston Lord Ashley Taylor Septime Webre shown above)

Revelers wore festive attire as the music rocked the Ritz Carlton for the 11th annual event. The party celebrates the upcoming premiere of an Alice in Wonderland based performance.

Event chairs Ashley Taylor and Winston Lord kept the energy in the room high as they took to the stage to welcome guests and introduce Septime Webre, who has been artistic director of the ballet since 1999. Taylor even lead the crowd in a chorus of “Happy Birthday” to celebrate Webre’s recent turn blowing out the candles-perhaps the hatter would have prefered un-birthday. Cocktails flowed and the dance floor rocked late into the night–including a special performance from some of the ballet’s talented flock of dancers.

Courtney Cohen, Annie VanMeter, Kate O’Connell Scavello

Sparkling top hats were provided for guests who wanted to join in the Alice fun. We’ll take Jete over a tea party anytime.